calamine

Everyday

1. A pink powder made from zinc oxide with a little iron oxide, used in a lotion to soothe itchy or sore skin. tree →
2. (old, science) An old name for zinc ores. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and health, calamine lotion is put on itchy chickenpox spots, insect bites, nettle stings and mild sunburn. It dries into a pink, chalky layer.

Examples

• Mum dabbed calamine lotion on my chickenpox spots. tree →
• Calamine helps stop nettle stings itching. tree →
• The calamine left pink patches all over my legs. tree →
• Keep calamine lotion in the first-aid kit. tree →
• Shake the calamine bottle before you use it. tree →

Note

Uncountable; usually in «calamine lotion». For outside use only, never drink it.